Inductive Power Conveyor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor devices face inefficiencies due to the weight and maintenance needs of trailing cables, which increase with length, limiting the mass of material that can be conveyed against gravity, and pose safety risks in explosive environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular conveyor device with a movably arranged component featuring an electric drive supplied via non-contact inductive coupling, allowing for extended lengths without cable exchange, reduced wear, and enhanced safety by eliminating sparking risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a trailing cable is used to supply power to the movably arranged component, then the component can be operated, but the cable weight increases with length and limits the conveyable mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the physical cable connection by using inductive coupling. The primary conductor remains stationary in the guide structure while the secondary coil on the movable component receives power wirelessly, eliminating the need for a flexible trailing cable that would add weight and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the stationary primary conductor and the movable secondary coil. This intermediate field enables energy transfer without direct physical contact, allowing power supply to the movable component without the constraints of trailing cables.
2Reliability
If a trailing cable is used for power supply, then the component can be powered, but the cable requires maintenance and causes wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible cable from the system by using inductive power transfer. The stationary primary conductor eliminates the need for moving cable connections, thereby removing wear and maintenance issues associated with trailing cables while maintaining continuous power supply to the movable component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conductor rail is used for power supply, then the component can be powered over long distances, but sparks are produced in explosive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power without direct electrical contact between moving and stationary parts. This eliminates arc and spark generation at connection points while maintaining the ability to supply power over long distances through the guide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with an inductive coupling system. The electromagnetic field substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and electrical arcing that occur in traditional conductor rail systems, making the system suitable for explosive environments.
4Length of stationary object
If the conveying device is extended by adding modules, then the length increases, but the cable mass increases and loads the drive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into stationary segments (primary conductors in guide modules) that remain fixed as the conveyor is extended. Each module contains its own primary conductor section, allowing the system to be lengthened by adding modules without increasing the mass of moving cable components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular design enables efficient, robust, and safe conveyance of materials over long distances with reduced maintenance, supporting higher payloads and safer operation in hazardous environments by eliminating the need for trailing cables and minimizing wear.
Implementation Method 1
the component having an electric drive which can be supplied with energy without contact via at least one secondary coil comprised by the component, which is connected to a provided on the respective module primary conductor is inductively coupled
Data Source
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AI summary
Conveyor apparatus, in particular for conveying people and/or loads against the direction of gravity, wherein the traversing platform has an electric drive which interacts with a toothed rack which is part of a module, wherein the drive can be supplied with power in a contactless fashion via a secondary coil which is inductively coupled to a primary conductor which is provided on the module.